Sunday, August 10, 2008
It's the Olympics!
Every four years I feel a sense of urgency, as well as an intense obligation to watch hours and hours of television in a brief two-week period of time.
It’s the Olympics.
At any other time would I watch women’s double sculls or fencing? I mean, I don’t know the difference between a feint and a parry, or a foil and an epee.
But I watch, because it’s the Olympics.
It’s strange, but suddenly a water polo match between Montenegro and Hungary becomes engrossing. My daughter had to clarify for me the location of Monte Negro, because I wasn’t exactly sure where it even was, but I was still cheering for its team.
I watched dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh) intently, although it just seemed to be a guy in a top hat walking, trotting and cantering about in circles on a horse with its mane tied in knots.
It’s Olympic dressage, and therefore I watch.
Trap Shooting?! Are you joking? No, I watched a man coolly win the gold medal after missing only 5 out of 150 shots. It’s even kind of artsy. When the competitor hits and breaks the clay target, a hot pink smoky cloud appears in the air.
I was glued to the tube for more mainstream events like swimming, beach volleyball, diving, soccer, and gymnastics. And the Olympics just started two days ago.
There’s something special about these competitions, the pinnacle of athletics, that draws me to obsessively watch the television coverage. The athletes’ grit and determination are inspiring. Their focus is remarkable. Their ability, talent, and discipline leave me in respectful awe and admiration.
It’s the Olympics.
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Oh, I'm so jealous! We don't get NBC, so we haven't been able to watch anything but the more mundane sporting events, like boxing and fencing. I want to see swimming, gymnastics, and track events. But, you are right, the Olympics are a magical thing. Go USA!!!
If only the dishes would wash themselves, the lawn would quit growing, and the kids would play quietly during the Olympics. (Sigh)
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